Mr. Bryan to Mr. Hay.

No. 441.]

Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith a copy and translation of an official order of the minister of finance, recently promulgated, by which he closes or attempts to close the free navigation of the Amazon, subjecting all goods in transit to Brazilian export and import duties.

I have, etc.,

Charles Page Bryan.
[Inclosure.—Translation.]

Extract from Diario Official.

Ministry of finance. Federal capital. Circular No. 43, August 8, 1902.

Let the honorable heads of departments of finance take notice for their information, that by means of telegrams of this date sent to the collecting agents of the federal treasury in the States of Para and Amazonas, this ministry has provided for the keeping of the free navigation of the Amazon for import and export in suspense, except as applied to merchants who have cargoes in ships which have left the ports of loading before this same date, collecting, except in this case, the duties they shall owe.